This may appear to be an unusual choice for the plant of the week as Berberis is often associated as being hardy, thorny and is often overlooked. However at this time of year there are some varieties of the humble berberis that bring the garden to life with their autumn colours.
Berberis thunbergii Starburst
A deciduous shrub with its chameleon like foliage gives it Spring, Summer and Autumn appeal. With green new leaves, becoming mottled creamy-white tinged pink by summer. In autumn it takes on a brilliant crimson red colour. Pale yellow flowers are borne in May followed by red berries in autumn. It grows in most soils in sun or part shade and stays at a manageable height of 1.2m.
Berberis thunbergii Golden Rocket
An upright growing, deciduous shrub with yellow new leaves, turning to green and white mottled. Superb bright orange-red autumn colour. Yellow flowers are borne in spring, followed by red berries in autumn. It grows in most soils in sun or part shade to 1.5m.
So like the ugly duckling the Berberis Thunbergii is worthy of its place in the garden as it turns into something very beautiful at this time of year. For those who want to find out more check out the font of Berberis thunbergii knowledge here.
